You started out loving your chosen career – at least in the beginning. But over time, you and your calling, well, you just grew apart. And just like a relationship that’s gone bad, it can be hard to walk away from a career or a small business into which you’ve put so much time and effort to say nothing of the financial investment. Over time, you and your career just grew apart. What would your life be like if you pursued your true gifts and passions?

"You’re intelligent and successful… at least that’s what everyone says. So how come you don’t always feel that way? Instead of feeling satisfaction, with every achievement you’re filled with anxiety you’ll be unmasked as an incompetent fraud… But it doesn’t have to be that way."

The fact is, people rarely "get" great work; they create it! Despite all the emphasis on growth in the "job sector," I am continually amazed at just how many fascinating alternatives there are to the whole 9-to-5 shtick. And just as traditional job seekers can't wait around for "Mr. Job" to knock on the door, people who want to do satisfying work – and call their own shots – need to be proactive as well.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.” Unfortunately, even in childhood, our dreams too often get dismissed by others...The important thing is that you must put yourself in a position to be open to possibility. Sometimes changing course happens in phases. Not quite ready for a big change? Then start small...Entrepreneurs are possibility people. They think “what if…” and “why not?” and then they go out and make it happen.

Let’s face it, unless you’re independently wealthy, you can’t just up and quit your day job and be running your own profitable small business immediately. That’s why I love Suzanne Evan’s suggestion that you think of your job not as “job” but as your “business loan.” Clearly it’s not always possible to get a really interesting “business loan” or that one that makes a difference in the world, especially in this economy. BUT that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! The way I see it you have two options...

If you're well into your career but still aren't really sure what you want to be "when you grow up," join the mid-life career crisis club! Here are three ways to help you discover your heart's content. And remember, "When you love what you do," says author and management guru Harvey McKay, "you'll never have to work a day in your life."

The alarm clock jars you awake at some insanely early hour. As you hit the snooze button you think, "there's gotta be a better way to make a living." As someone who rolled out of bed this morning at 8:30, I'm here to deliver the good news: there is.

If you've ever read a job description and automatically disqualified yourself because you didn't have one or two out of a long line of competencies or the necessary experience, passed on an opportunity to speak on or otherwise showcase your knowledge because you "don't know enough," or not started your own business because you are not yet "an expert" then you may have fallen into the Expert Trap.

Barbara Winter often talks about how important it is to "get in the conversation" with other entrepreneurs. That's exactly what our next entrepreneur does on a regular basis. George Murphy is the host of a television show called "Making It Here" on local public television station WGBY... George has talked with literally hundreds of entrepreneurs. During that time, he's had the chance to see up close and in person just what makes an inspired entrepreneur tick. But you don't have to have your own television show to start asking your own questions. George and "Making it Here" are great reminders that the next time you're out and about, start asking questions and you'll be amazed at what you'll learn.

Angela wrote with a problem I’m sure many people can identify with – what to do when your dream and your family’s needs clash. One of the best ways to get someone to support your dream is to find a way to support their dream.